Knowledge on management of traumatic dental injuries among Saudi mothers.

Objective: This study investigated the knowledge of Saudi mothers regarding the management of traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) in children.

Materials And Methods: A cross-sectional study using structured questionnaires was employed for mothers chosen by stratified-cluster random sampling technique from primary health care centers in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, over a period of 12 months (July 2016-June 2017). The questionnaire surveyed mothers' background and knowledge on management of tooth fracture and avulsion using photographs of TDI cases.

Results: The sample consisted of 3,367 Saudi mothers. More than half of the mothers (55.3%) gave the correct response, which was to send the child with tooth fracture immediately to the dentist (<0.01). The majority of mothers (41.6%) gave the correct response for the immediate mode of action, which was to save the avulsed tooth in storage medium and send the child to the dentist immediately (<0.001). However, they prioritized the immediate management of TDIs, and most reported saline as a suitable storage medium (<0.001). The mothers expressed a positive interest in further education.

Conclusion: Educational programs and TDI protocols must be implemented to increase mothers' awareness and improve the prognosis of children with TDIs.